Strengths

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Background: Pre-NMFC

One of the top key forwards in his draft pool, Mason Wood was Geelong’s main spearhead in 2012. At 192cm, the left footer used his running power to become the Falcons’ most important goalkicker.

Wood’s ability to cover the ground was backed up in his draft camp results, finishing in the top 10 for the agility test and also posting the second-best goalkicking score.

He ticked all the boxes off-field, with the Falcons’ regional manager Michael Turner complimenting his dedication to succeed.

Season

Season by season

Season by season

Forced to play VFL at the start of the season, Mason Wood’s impressive form warranted a senior recall in Round 7 against the Swans.

Wood made an immediate impact, kicking four goals, including a memorable match-winner late in the fourth quarter.

A hamstring injury in Round 15 forced him to sit out until Round 19, taking his season game tally to just 13.

Following the the retirement of Jarrad Waite, Wood will be looking to continue to improve next season and fill the shoes left by the 244 game veteran.

2017

2017 was another frustrating year on the injury front for Mason Wood, with the forward managing just 10 games for the season.

Promisingly, this was Wood’s best games return in his four seasons with the club, eclipsing the eight he managed in 2016. An integral member to the forward line when fit, Wood was part of four of North’s wins in his 10 games.

With a modified pre-season program built to have Wood in shape for round one, he will undoubtedly be looking to make a big impact on 2018.

2016

Forwards Coach, Leigh Tudor

“It was really unfortunate he got injured because he was playing really good football for us.

“He did show us this year that he’s improved his weaknesses and keeps bringing his AFL qualities to game day, he’s going to be a really dangerous forward for us next year.

“The thing you notice about Mase is that he’s done so much work over the last couple of years with the development coaches on his ground balls and marking.

“To see that come out at AFL level this year under pressure was just magnificent and says a lot about Mason.

“He’s got so many strengths now after making those improvements.”

2015

Mid-season, from Leigh Tudor

"'Mase' has played six games and has gone back to the VFL in the last month.

"He's working hard to get a spot back but with the guys that are already in the team and then 'Blacky' (Aaron Black) and Majak (Daw) also fighting for the next forward spots, he has to do enough at VFL level to put his name up.

"He's working hard to do that; he's knocking on the door but not breaking it down at this point."

Second half of 2015, from Gavin Brown

“To his credit, he worked really hard on a few areas of his game that had slipped a little bit, and then he got that opportunity in Round 23 to get another taste of senior football.

“He was a little bit inconsistent. When he was on he was marking the ball really powerfully and running strongly. He played mainly as a forward, as a comparison it was similar to Aaron Black’s role with North when he played in the senior side in 2014.”

2014

Mason Wood’s strong second year at Arden Street was rewarded with a senior debut to close the home and away season.

Impressive form at the start of 2014 had Wood close to a call-up, with senior development manager Gavin Brown full of praise for the left-footer’s play.

However just as it seemed he was on the verge of debuting, Wood pulled up sore after a game for Werribee in late May.

It set the number 32 back a couple of steps, and after his return he took some time to work into the same form he had before the minor injury.

As Werribee charged towards the VFL finals, Wood was a large part of the team’s charge, and he was rewarded by playing his first game for North Melbourne in Round 23.

Impressive throughout, Wood’s three-goal haul could be the catalyst for a big 2015.

2013

Mid-season, from Brett Allison

“Mason is one who is a strong runner already and his endurance levels are pretty good. That’s his strength.

“The defensive side of his game is going to be the next part to work on, without the football at AFL level – he may get away with some things at VFL level but that’s the next area.

“He presents well and takes marks on the lead. At the moment, pack marking is not what he does; he’ll give an honest contest but he’s a first year player who needs to put a few kilos on in the gym before improving that side of his game.

End of season review

Wood had been playing, unknowingly, with a small fracture in his knee during his first year. It turned out to be an old fracture at the bottom of his thigh bone that ruled him out of action for three months.

The up-and-coming key forward resumed running in early October before travelling to Utah with the North Melbourne squad.